Teacher's blog + Sixth form | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog+education/sixth-form
Indexen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015Tue, 03 Mar 2015 21:33:43 GMT2015-03-03T21:33:43Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015The Guardianhttp://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttp://www.theguardian.com
How to help your students on A-level results day: tips from teachershttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/aug/13/how-to-help-students-on-a-level-results-day-tips-teachers
<p>Teachers will face a variety of scenarios when their students receive their A-level exam results tomorrow. Here are tips from our community on how to help on the day<br></p><p>Many teachers greet A-level results day with very mixed feelings. While there are always plenty of successes to celebrate, there are also always disappointed pupils who didn’t get the grades they expected. What can teachers do to make sure pupils feel supported through the highs and lows of the day?</p><p>We asked our teaching community to share their tips, which we’ve gathered below. If you have some advice you’d like to share, head to the comments section or tweet us @GuardianTeach.<br /></p><p>Be prepared<br /></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/GuardianTeach">@GuardianTeach</a> Accept that there will be tears - and try to embrace them - both good &amp; bad. Oh and the students might cry as well as you!</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/aug/13/how-to-help-students-on-a-level-results-day-tips-teachers">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationTeachingSchoolsSecondary schoolsA-levelsAS-levelsExamsSixth formWed, 13 Aug 2014 17:18:42 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/aug/13/how-to-help-students-on-a-level-results-day-tips-teachersPhotograph: AlamyFrom highs to lows: exam results day can be a mixed bag of emotions and teachers need to be on hand to give support. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyFrom highs to lows: exam results day can be a mixed bag of emotions and teachers need to be on hand to give support. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: Rui Vieira/PAUniversities can now enrol unlimited numbers of students with A-level results of ABB or above. Photograph: Rui Vieira/PAPhotograph: Rui Vieira/PAUniversities can now enrol unlimited numbers of students with A-level results of ABB or above. Photograph: Rui Vieira/PASarah Marsh2014-08-13T17:18:42ZIs the headteachers' alternative league table a good idea?http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/aug/13/headteachers-alternative-league-tables-good-idea
<p>Headteachers’ unions and academies have announced plans to publish their own league table that doesn’t just focus on exam results. But will the idea work? Share your views with us<br></p><p>Fed up with schools being assessed on exam results alone, a group of <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/aug/13/head-teachers-unions-academies-establish-new-league-table-gcse-results">headteachers are planning on launching their own league table</a>.</p><p>The National Association of Head Teachers, National Association of School and College Leaders, the PiXL network and the United Learning group are establishing an alternative league table which will look at other aspects of school life including music and sport, the curriculum and class sizes – as well as attainment. </p><p>On new Headteachers league table <a href="https://twitter.com/NUTonline">@NUTonline</a> evidence shows &quot;collaboration between schools&quot; is better than competition <a href="http://t.co/yY2Uh321E8">http://t.co/yY2Uh321E8</a></p><p>In an ideal world league tables wouldn't exist at all as however they're generated they're going to be skewed <a href="http://t.co/y9nQYv58Qf">http://t.co/y9nQYv58Qf</a></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/GuardianTeach">@GuardianTeach</a> Tables distract teachers from doing what they think is best &amp; mislead parents who think that they actually capture reality</p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/GuardianTeach">@GuardianTeach</a> It may give a fairer, more well-rounded picture of what is going on</p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/GuardianTeach">@GuardianTeach</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TeacherROAR">@TeacherROAR</a> a good opp to find out what matters to parents and give them info they want in form that makes sense to them</p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/GuardianTeach">@GuardianTeach</a> I think it is important to see success in a holistic way - not just through exam results. Look at HE league tables!</p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/GuardianTeach">@GuardianTeach</a> If a more balanced view is shown where schools show all they do for each child rather than just in Eng &amp; Math- excellent!</p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/GuardianTeach">@GuardianTeach</a> great idea re schools collating data early but will likely be a sample of best outcomes and ensuing robustness is a challenge</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/aug/13/headteachers-alternative-league-tables-good-idea">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationTeachingSchoolsSecondary schoolsGCSEsA-levelsExamsSixth formWed, 13 Aug 2014 15:53:09 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/aug/13/headteachers-alternative-league-tables-good-ideaPhotograph: GuardianFacebook post from Teacher ROAR Photograph: FacebookPhotograph: GuardianFacebook post from Teacher ROAR Photograph: FacebookPhotograph: STEPHANE MAHE/REUTERSWhat’s the best way to assess performance? Photograph: Stephane Mahe/ReutersPhotograph: STEPHANE MAHE/REUTERSWhat’s the best way to assess performance? Photograph: Stephane Mahe/ReutersSarah Marsh2014-08-13T15:53:09ZA school of bullies is no place to get an educationhttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/may/21/bullying-school-staff-failing-pupils
There is a culture of bullying among staff at my school. They should consider the impact it is having on pupils, says a student blogger<p>My school, it was <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-27425360" title="">recently revealed</a>, is to be investigated following allegations of &quot;outrageous bullying&quot; among staff. As a sixth-form pupil, this comes as no surprise.</p><p>Most school pupils are taught not to bully, to address confrontation calmly, to treat others with respect – yet no such example is being set by teachers at the Stromness Academy.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/may/21/bullying-school-staff-failing-pupils">Continue reading...</a>StudentsEducationSixth formBullyingSocietyTeachingTeacher NetworkWed, 21 May 2014 09:03:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2014/may/21/bullying-school-staff-failing-pupilsAlamyA student speaks out about bullying among teachers at her school. Photograph: AlamyAlamyBlackboard, teacher stress Photograph: AlamyEmilia Wilson2014-05-21T09:03:00ZMichael Gove’s A-level reforms: will students be better off? - pollhttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/poll/2013/jan/23/michael-gove-a-levels-teachers-poll
The education secretary claims that bringing back two-year A-levels will better prepare students for university. But do you agree? <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/poll/2013/jan/23/michael-gove-a-levels-teachers-poll">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkSchoolsSecondary schoolsEducationTeachingA-levelsSixth formExamsWed, 23 Jan 2013 17:26:53 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/poll/2013/jan/23/michael-gove-a-levels-teachers-pollGraham Turner/GuardianDo you agree with Michael Gove's time travelling A-level reforms? Photograph: Graham Turner for the GuardianGraham Turner/GuardianA Tardis / Police box was put on the lawn of the museum of Natural History Oxford on Tuesday night,15th May 2001. It's art. Those responsible are Mark Wallinger, artist and Toby Chamberlain, model maker and prop builder. Graham Turner, photographer (in completely soaked through look). Photograph: Graham Turner for the GuardianMatthew Jenkin2013-01-23T17:26:53ZA-level choices: which subjects should you pick?http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/jan/22/which-a-level-subjects-should-you-pick
Are you going into sixth form soon, and wondering which subjects to do? We've consulted some experts for advice<p>It's that nailbiting time of the school year when prospective sixth-form students must choose which A-levels to do. Those who plan to go on to university will be hoping to pick the perfect combination that will ensure a place on their course of choice.</p><p>But it's hardly surprising if, aged 15, you don't have much of an idea what degree you want to do, let alone the shape of your future career. So Guardian Students has asked university admissions departments and sixth-form tutors to answer some of the questions pupils ask as they try to figure out which subjects to take.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/jan/22/which-a-level-subjects-should-you-pick">Continue reading...</a>A-levelsStudentsSixth formExamsEducationSchoolsAdvice for studentsTeacher NetworkTue, 22 Jan 2013 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/jan/22/which-a-level-subjects-should-you-pickAlamyYour A-level subjects are a personal choice - don't give in to pressure. Photograph: AlamyAlamyStudents in a study group collaborating Photograph: AlamyLouise Tickle2013-01-22T07:00:00ZHow big is the jump from GCSE to A-level?http://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2012/aug/23/jump-from-gcse-to-alevel
Your teachers warn it'll be tough, and it is. But sixth form is so much better…<p>A week ago I stood in a snake-like queue, the sun pounding down on me. My knees were shaking. I thought I might never make it to the sixth-form gym to collect my AS-level results (I did, they were pleasing).</p><p>But as I waited, I had plenty of time to reflect on what I've learned in my first year of A-levels.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2012/aug/23/jump-from-gcse-to-alevel">Continue reading...</a>StudentsGCSEsA-levelsSixth formSchoolsFurther educationEducationTeacher NetworkThu, 23 Aug 2012 13:25:53 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2012/aug/23/jump-from-gcse-to-alevelDavid Mdzinarishvili/ReutersIt's a bit of a stretch, but it's fun too. Photograph: David Mdzinarishvili/ReutersDavid Mdzinarishvili/ReutersA boy jumps Photograph: David Mdzinarishvili/ReutersLaurence Scott2012-08-23T13:25:53ZTeachers need to get out morehttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2012/may/24/curriculum-enrichment-programme
Working with industry – beyond the confines of the curriculum – has a huge impact on both pupils and teachers as well as providing 'golden teaching' moments<p>As most people are aware teaching can be a very challenging and demanding job. Constantly changing curriculum models and exam syllabuses put a huge strain on teacher delivery of teaching and learning in the classroom. The feel good factor however, can be immense when you witness the impact a teacher can have on achievement and motivation.</p><p>Recently I had one of those golden teaching moments when an ex-student, Zainab, emailed me to say thank you, and to tell me that what she was doing now was because of the work and opportunities that I had given her. Zainab is on a gap year programme called the <a href="http://www.etrust.org.uk/year_in_industry.cfm" title="Year in Industry">Year in Industry</a> which is organised by an educational charity called <a href="http://www.etrust.org.uk/" title="EDT">EDT</a>. Zainab is working at the <a href="http://www.rigb.org" title="www.rigb.org">Royal Institution of Great Britain</a> and has been organising mathematics and engineering master classes for enthusiastic students across London.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2012/may/24/curriculum-enrichment-programme">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationTeachingSchoolsSecondary schoolsSixth formScienceEngineering generalCurriculumsThu, 24 May 2012 07:15:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2012/may/24/curriculum-enrichment-programme....../EDTPupils from Brooke Weston Academy in Northamptonshire worked with a local company to help them find a solution to removing swarf (that is shavings of metal for those who don't know) from the inside of tubes during their machining. Photograph: ....../EDT....../EDTPupils from Brooke Weston Academy in Northamptonshire worked with a local company to help them find a solution to removing swarf (that is shavings of metal for those who don't know) from the inside of tubes during their machining. Photograph: ....../EDTPeter Crompton2012-05-24T07:15:00ZCalling all teachers - Cambridge is for your pupils too!http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2012/apr/25/applying-to-cambridge-access
Cambridge University's student union access officer is working hard to dispel the myths that act as barriers to state school children applying to top universities, but she needs your help<p>So many column inches are wasted on pupils applying to Oxford and Cambridge.</p><p>I wish there were a silver bullet to the problem of accessibility to narrowly academic universities, but we're embedded so much into our own institutions it's difficult to have a clearer strategy or more co-ordinated approach.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2012/apr/25/applying-to-cambridge-access">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkStudentsHigher educationSchoolsUniversity of CambridgeAccess to universityOxbridge and elitismSixth formWed, 25 Apr 2012 08:57:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2012/apr/25/applying-to-cambridge-accessGraham Turner/GuardianThere's no reason why your pupils shouldn't be parking their bikes outside Kings College Cambridge.
Photograph: Graham Turner for the GuardianGraham Turner/GuardianThere's no reason why your pupils shouldn't be parking their bikes outside Kings College Cambridge.
Photograph: Graham Turner for the GuardianTaz Rasul2012-04-25T08:57:00ZMr Gove please listen - A-levels aren't brokenhttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2012/apr/04/gove-curriculum-a-levels-universities
A headteacher explains why she thinks Gove's new plans to get university professors to set the A-level curriculum is a step too far<p>Yesterday's <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2012/apr/03/gove-university-set-a-levels">announcement</a> from Mr Gove's office sends chills down every teacher's spine – I appreciate that EVERY announcement from the <a href="http://www.education.gov.uk/">DfE</a> is an alarm call of some kind – but yesterday's was particularly horrifying. I thought at first I'd got the date wrong and it was an April Fool's Day joke, but sadly no, this is his latest idea.</p><p>He is relinquishing curriculum control over A-levels to a select group – an elite, if you will – of university professors, who will decide for the rest of the universities across the UK what should go into A-levels and how they should be examined. </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2012/apr/04/gove-curriculum-a-levels-universities">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkSchoolsEducationMichael GoveA-levelsSixth formCurriculumsExamsWed, 04 Apr 2012 07:59:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2012/apr/04/gove-curriculum-a-levels-universitieswww.alamy.comStudents checking bulletin board for exam results. Photograph: www.alamy.comwww.alamy.comStudents checking exam results Photograph: www.alamy.comHeather Scott2012-04-04T07:59:00ZTeaching meditation at schoolhttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2011/nov/10/teaching-meditation-at-school
What impact can meditating have on sixth form students? An expert reveals what happened when she went back to school<p>I've been teaching meditation to adults for a while now, but this is the first time I've worked with school students.</p><p><strong>Session 1</strong></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2011/nov/10/teaching-meditation-at-school">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkSixth formThu, 10 Nov 2011 08:04:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2011/nov/10/teaching-meditation-at-schoolwww.alamy.comMeditation can help with stress, focus, relaxation and self-understanding. Photograph: www.alamy.comwww.alamy.comMeditation can help with stress, focus, relaxation and self-understanding. Photograph: www.alamy.comLiese Stanley2011-11-10T08:04:00Z